7 Ways Thinking like a Detective Will Make You Smarter

Solve problems by borrowing the methods of the most famous investigators

Solve problems by borrowing the methods of the most famous investigators

What’s your detective style? Pic by João Silas on Unsplash

“When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” — Sherlock Holmes

How good are you at connecting the dots?

Detectives are often portrayed as brilliant, talented minds. They possess the rare gift to see what ordinary people can’t. However, there’s a method to that superpower.

The word “detective” means uncovering the truth — it’s about detecting both what’s possible and improbable. To better observe how people act and why. And, finally, eliminate the impossible.

Searching for relationships between facts is a habit. It’s essential to produce new ideas, as James Webb Young explains in his famous 5-step technique for creative problem-solving.

You don’t need to be a bright detective to think like one — exercise your ability to find the relationship between facts.

1. Deduction and Mindfulness Go Together

When we think …